US9277309B2 - Detachable wireless listening device - Google Patents

Detachable wireless listening device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US9277309B2
US9277309B2 US13/074,349 US201113074349A US9277309B2 US 9277309 B2 US9277309 B2 US 9277309B2 US 201113074349 A US201113074349 A US 201113074349A US 9277309 B2 US9277309 B2 US 9277309B2
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
connector part
cord
audio signal
transmission
attached
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related, expires
Application number
US13/074,349
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20120250914A1 (en
Inventor
Jorge S. Fino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Apple Inc
Original Assignee
Apple Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Apple Inc filed Critical Apple Inc
Priority to US13/074,349 priority Critical patent/US9277309B2/en
Assigned to APPLE INC. reassignment APPLE INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FINO, JORGE S.
Priority to PCT/US2012/024536 priority patent/WO2012134642A1/fr
Priority to CN201210083141.5A priority patent/CN102752680B/zh
Priority to EP12161914.2A priority patent/EP2506597B1/fr
Publication of US20120250914A1 publication Critical patent/US20120250914A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US9277309B2 publication Critical patent/US9277309B2/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Adjusted expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1033—Cables or cables storage, e.g. cable reels
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/60—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers
    • H04M1/6033—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers including speech amplifiers for providing handsfree use or a loudspeaker mode in telephone sets
    • H04M1/6041—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use
    • H04M1/6058—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone
    • H04M1/6066—Portable telephones adapted for handsfree use involving the use of a headset accessory device connected to the portable telephone including a wireless connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1025—Accumulators or arrangements for charging
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R1/00—Details of transducers, loudspeakers or microphones
    • H04R1/10—Earpieces; Attachments therefor ; Earphones; Monophonic headphones
    • H04R1/1041—Mechanical or electronic switches, or control elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/05—Detection of connection of loudspeakers or headphones to amplifiers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R2420/00—Details of connection covered by H04R, not provided for in its groups
    • H04R2420/07—Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04R—LOUDSPEAKERS, MICROPHONES, GRAMOPHONE PICK-UPS OR LIKE ACOUSTIC ELECTROMECHANICAL TRANSDUCERS; DEAF-AID SETS; PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS
    • H04R5/00—Stereophonic arrangements
    • H04R5/033—Headphones for stereophonic communication

Definitions

  • the described embodiments relate to a listening device that allows an end user to comfortably listen to an audio output of a portable media player.
  • the listening device can be easily worn without inconveniencing the end user during physical activity.
  • a signal wire in the form of a cord is generally used to transmit an audio signal from the personal media player to a wearable listening device, such as an ear bud. Cords transmit the audio signal more effectively, require less power, are inexpensive and are simpler to implement than wireless transmission techniques.
  • the cord is susceptible to becoming entangled while the end user is participating in physical activity. This is particularly nettlesome since the cord connected to the personal media player used while exercising or worn on the body requires frequent adjustment to avoid entanglement which can prove distracting or in some cases present a hazard to the end user.
  • the embodiments disclosed herein describe at least a media apparatus that provides an end user of a personal media player a pleasurable listening and unencumbered experience during physical activity.
  • a media apparatus in one embodiment, includes at least one listening device, a corded portion in communication with a host device arranged to provide an audio signal, and a detachable connector having a first part and a second part.
  • the detachable connector is arranged to detachably couple the at least one listening device at the first part to the corded portion at the second part.
  • the corded portion acts as an RF antenna arranged to receive an RF signal transmitted from an external RF transmitter and passes the received RF signal to the host device for processing. Furthermore, when the host device is receiving power from an external power supply, the corded portion passes power directly from the host device to the listening device by way of the detachable connector.
  • a portable media device in another embodiment, includes at least a processor, a data store arranged to retain at least a media item, the processor arranged to process the media item to form an audio signal, a data port arranged to receive a cord and arranged to at least output the audio signal to the cord, a wireless transmission module arranged to condition the audio signal in accordance with a wireless transmission protocol, and an attachment detector, the attachment detector arranged to detect if the cord is attached to a listening device arranged to present an audible output of the audio signal.
  • the processor instructs the transmission module to condition the audio signal in accordance with the wireless protocol and wirelessly transmit the conditioned audio signal.
  • a method performed by a processor in a portable media player arranged to process and store at least a media asset is described.
  • the method can be performed by processing the media asset by the processor, generating an audio signal as a result of processing the media asset and receiving a connection status from an attachment detector.
  • the connection status indicates that the portable media player is not connected to a listening device, then instructing a wireless transmission module to condition the audio signal in accordance with a wireless transmission protocol, and wirelessly transmitting the conditioned signal to the listening device by way of a corded portion.
  • non-transitory computer readable medium for storing a computer program executed by a processor in a portable media player arranged to process and store at least a media asset.
  • the computer readable medium including at least computer code for processing the media asset by the processor to form an audio signal, computer code for receiving a connection status from an attachment detector, computer code for instructing a wireless transmission module to condition the audio signal in accordance with a wireless transmission protocol by the processor when the connection status indicates that a corded portion attached to the portable media player is not connected to a listening device and computer code for using the corded portion to wirelessly transmit the conditioned signal.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of media apparatus in an attached configuration in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • FIG. 2 shows the system of FIG. 1 in a detached state in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • FIGS. 3A-3B show embodiments of a detachable connector.
  • FIG. 4 shows a multi-channel media apparatus in an attached configuration in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 shows the multi-channel media apparatus of FIG. 4 in an unattached configuration.
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B show an end user wearing the multi-channel media apparatus shown in FIG. 5 .
  • FIG. 7 shows a flowchart detailing a process for operating a media apparatus having a corded portion and at least a listening device in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • FIG. 8 shows a flowchart detailing a process for operating a multi-channel media apparatus having a host device optionally operable in multi-channel mode, a corded portion, and a multi-channel listening device having at least two individual listening components.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an arrangement of functional modules utilized by a portable media device.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of media player in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • the portable communication device described herein can be equipped to carry out various multimedia and other types of personal communication functions.
  • the portable communication device can take the form of a dedicated portable media player such as an iPodTM manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif. arranged to process media assets such as video data and audio data such as MP3 files.
  • the portable communication device can also take the form of a multi-function device along the lines of a smartphone such as an iPhoneTM also manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.
  • the embodiments described herein relate to a media apparatus that can be used in conjunction with a host device to provide an end user a pleasurable listening experience especially during periods of physical activity.
  • the host device can take the form of a portable media player.
  • the media apparatus can include a listening device.
  • the listening device can include a single listening component such as an ear bud(s) that can be detachably coupled to a corded portion by way of a detachable connector.
  • the detachable connector can take many forms.
  • the detachable connector can be mechanical nature and rely upon a clip, fastener, and the like to secure the listening device to the corded portion.
  • the listening device can also include more than one listening component.
  • a first listening component can take the form of a first ear bud and a second listening component can take the form of a second ear bud connected to each other by a cord.
  • the first ear bud can provide a first audio output corresponding to a first audio channel and the second ear bud can provide a second audio output corresponding to a second audio channel.
  • the first and second audio channels can be a left and right audio channel consistent with two channel stereo audio.
  • the detachable connector can be magnetic in nature.
  • the detachable connector can include a first part coupled to the listening device having at least a first magnetic element that exhibits a first magnetic polarity (i.e., either North magnetic polarity or South magnetic polarity).
  • the detachable connector can also include a second part coupled to the corded portion having at least a second magnetic element that exhibits a second magnetic polarity opposite that of the first magnetic polarity. In this way, when the first and second parts are in proximity to each other, a net attractive magnetic force can be generated that can cause the first and second parts to magnetically attach to each other.
  • the first and second parts can also include electrical contacts that can be used to create a conductive path between the first and second parts when the first and second parts are magnetically attached to each other. In this way, power and/or an audio signal can be passed from the host device to the listening device by way of the corded portion without interruption.
  • the first part and the second part can include a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter portion, respectively, that facilitates the establishment of a wireless communication channel between the listening device and the host device by way of the corded portion when the first and second parts are physically separate from each other.
  • the host device is BlueTooth (BT)TM enabled
  • the host device and the listening device can identify each other according to the well-known BT pairing procedure. Once paired, the host device can retain a BT address associated with the listening device.
  • BT BlueTooth
  • each listening component can have its own BT address associated therewith.
  • the host device can provide an appropriate wireless signal that can be received, recognized, and appropriately processed by the listening device and in particular the listening component(s). Accordingly, when the host device detects that the first and second parts of the detachable connector are physically separated from each other, the host device can immediately activate a wireless module incorporated within the host device and begin wirelessly transmitting an appropriately conditioned audio signal to the listening device. It should be noted, however, that since the first and second parts of the detachable connector are now physically separate from each other, the listening device cannot receive power from the host device in any form.
  • the length of time that the listening device can wirelessly receive and process the wirelessly transmitted audio signal can be quite limited (on the order of about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes).
  • the listening device can be re-connected to the host device using the detachable connector. Once the host device detects that the listening device is physically connected to the host device by way of the corded portion, the host device can immediately disable the wireless module and commence sending the audio signal in a wired manner by way of the corded portion.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of media apparatus 10 in an attached configuration in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • Media apparatus 10 can be in communication with media player 100 .
  • media player 100 can be a very small form factor media player along the lines of a iPod NanoTM manufactured by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.
  • the number of electrical components incorporated within housing 102 of media player 100 can be quite limited but nonetheless can provide an end user a large selection of media files.
  • media player 100 can be attached to listening device 200 .
  • listening device 200 can have a single component that can take the form of an ear bud that can be easily accommodated into one of an end user's ears.
  • Listening device 200 can be attached to and electrically connected with media player 100 using corded portion 300 by way of detachable connector 400 .
  • Detachable connector 400 can include an attachment mechanism used to mechanically connect listening device 200 and corded portion 300 .
  • detachable connector 400 can rely upon mechanical fasteners such as a clip.
  • detachable connector 400 can rely upon a magnetic attachment mechanism to attach corded portion 300 and listening device 200 .
  • Detachable connector 400 can also include an electrical connector that can provide an electrical coupling between listening device 200 and media player 100 by way of corded portion 300 .
  • Media player 100 can include processor 104 (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with media player 100 . For example, using instructions retrieved for example from memory, processor 104 can control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of media player 100 . In most cases, processor 104 can execute instructions under the control of an operating system or other software. Processor 104 can be a single-chip processor or can be implemented with multiple components. Media player 100 can include a number of sensors that can be used to detect certain aspects of an operating environment of media player 100 . For example, media player 100 can include connection sensor 106 arranged to detect whether or not media apparatus 10 is configured in an attached or an unattached state.
  • processor 104 e.g., CPU or microprocessor
  • connection sensor 106 can detect if listening device 200 is physically attached to media player 100 by way of corded portion 300 .
  • media player 100 can respond by sending power from battery 108 (or external power from cable 112 via power supply 110 ) to listening device 200 thereby greatly extending an amount of time that listening device 200 can be active.
  • connection sensor 106 can determine if listening device 200 is connected to corded portion 300 by simply performing an electrical measurement by providing a test voltage or current corded portion 300 .
  • a resulting voltage or current will indicate if corded portion 300 is connected to listening device 200 .
  • a resulting voltage or current consistent with an open circuit will indicate that corded portion 300 and listening device 200 are not attached to each other, and vice versa.
  • connection sensor 106 detects that listening device 200 is not attached to corded portion 300 as shown in FIG. 2 . In this case, the transfer of power from battery 108 or power supply 110 to listening device 200 is paused. Media player 100 can also respond to connection sensor 106 detecting that listening device 200 is not attached to corded portion 300 by activating wireless circuit 114 . In this way, audio signal 116 can be wirelessly sent from media player 100 to listening device 200 by way of wireless transmission 500 using any suitable wireless protocol such as BlueToothTM, WiFiTM, and so on. Accordingly, detachable connector 400 can include first part 402 coupled to listening device 200 and second part 404 coupled to corded portion 300 . In this way, first part 402 can receive wireless transmission 500 transmitted by second part 404 .
  • processor 104 together with an operating system can operate to execute computer code and produce and use data.
  • the computer code and data can reside within data storage block 118 that is operatively coupled to the processor 104 .
  • Data storage block 118 generally provides a place to store or retain data that is being used by media player 100 as well as in some embodiments system 10 as a whole.
  • data storage block 118 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), flash memory and/or the like.
  • ROM Read-Only Memory
  • RAM Random-Access Memory
  • flash memory and/or the like.
  • RAM is used by processor 104 as a general storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be used to store input data and processed data.
  • ROM can be used to store instructions or program code followed by the processor as well as other data.
  • data storage block 118 can be configured to store media assets.
  • the media assets can include multi-media data along the lines of digital audio data (such as MP3) and digital video data for processing by processor 104 .
  • Aspects of the media assets can include playlist(s) that can also be stored in storage block 118 .
  • the playlist can be accessed through a user interface.
  • the user interface can take the form of a mechanical switch or can be presented visually in the form of a graphical user interface, or GUI, in which case media player 100 can include display 120 for visually displaying media asset metadata (title, genre, etc.) as part of the GUI.
  • User input at the GUI can be tactile when display 120 is capable of sensing and responding to touch inputs provided by the end user.
  • media player 100 can be connected to external circuitry by way of cable/connector arrangement 112 (or more simply cable 112 ) that can transport both information and/or power.
  • cable/connector arrangement 112 or more simply cable 112
  • power supply 110 can receive the external power.
  • Power supply 110 can then send a portion of the received power directly to battery 108 if needed to maintain battery 108 at a suitable state of charge.
  • Power supply 110 can also send a portion of the received power to listening device 200 by way of corded portion 300 only when listening device 200 is attached to corded portion 300 . In all situations, however, an amount of power required for media player 100 to operate at a desired operating state can be allocated by power supply 110 .
  • Corded portion 300 can include both structural elements used to provide structural support for corded portion 300 and any accessory (such as listening device 200 ) attached thereto.
  • Corded portion 300 can be coupled with portable media player 100 at data port 122 arranged to facilitate a communication channel between portable media player 100 and corded portion 300 .
  • Corded portion 300 can also include electrical conductor 302 formed of electrically conductive material such as copper or aluminum that can be used to transport electrical power received from media player 100 . In those instances where media player 100 is receiving power from the external circuit by way of cable 112 , power supply 110 can provide power to listening device 200 by way of electrical conductor 302 .
  • battery 108 can provide power to listening device 200 by way of electrical conductor 302 .
  • electrical conductor 302 can act as an RF antenna suitable for receiving RF signal 600 transmitted by a remote RF transmitter.
  • RF signal 600 can take many forms.
  • RF signal 600 can be an FM radio transmission, an AM radio transmission, or any combination thereof.
  • RF signal 600 can be passed by way of electrical connector 302 to an RF circuit for processing. It should be noted that due to the small amount of available space in housing 102 , the RF circuit is presumed to be part of processor 104 . However, it should be noted the RF circuit can be a separate component especially in those situations where more space is available.
  • the RF circuit can process RF signal 600 to provide a processed RF signal that can be used by media player 100 to send an appropriate audio signal to listening device 200 for presentation to the end user.
  • RF signal 600 is an FM radio signal
  • the RF circuit can include FM radio signal processing circuitry such as an FM tuner. In this way, information (music, talk, songs, etc.) associated with FM radio signal 600 can be presented by listening device 200 .
  • corded portion 300 when corded portion 300 is not connected to listening device 200 , corded portion 300 can still serve its function as RF antenna. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to place corded portion 300 in a position such that it still is able to receive RF signal 600 but does not present a distraction to the end user.
  • corded portion 300 when not connected to listening device 200 , corded portion 300 can be wrapped around media player 100 and placed in an inconspicuous location such as a pocket but still retain the ability to receive RF signal 600 and wirelessly transmit audio signal 116 via wireless signal 500 .
  • media player 100 can include a retaining mechanism that can retrieve corded portion 300 in such a way as to maintain its RF functionality but not present a distraction to the end user.
  • FIG. 3A is a side view of a representative embodiment of detachable connector 400 showing the relative positions of first part 402 and second part 404 .
  • first part 402 can be connected to listening device 200 whereas second part 404 can be connected to corded portion 300 .
  • the attachment between first part 402 and second part 404 can take many forms.
  • the attachment can be mechanical in nature using, for example, a clip or other suitable fastener.
  • the attachment between first part 402 and second part 404 can rely upon magnetic attachment provided by net attractive force generated by magnetic elements of opposing polarities.
  • FIG. 3B shows a cross sectional view of magnetic detachable connector 700 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • First part 402 and second part 404 of magnetic detachable connector 700 can include exterior insulation layer 702 surrounding magnetic element layer 704 .
  • magnetic element layer 704 can have a first magnetic polarity (i.e., either North or South). It should be noted however that in order for magnetic detachable connector 700 to provide the appropriate magnetic attachment, the magnetic polarities of the magnetic element layers in the first part 402 and the second part 404 must be opposite to each other in order to generate an appropriate magnetic attractive force between them.
  • magnetic element layers 702 and 704 can include a plurality of individual magnetic elements arranged in complementary patterns.
  • Interior insulation layer 706 can be used to provide both structural support for detachable connector 700 but also help to electrically insulate electrical conductor 708 .
  • FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of media apparatus 10 in which listening device 200 includes first channel listening component 202 - 1 and second channel listening component 202 - 2 (where “- 1 ” and “- 2 ” indicate first channel and second channel, respectively) connected to each other by way of cord 204 .
  • media player 100 can provide multi-channel audio signal 800 .
  • Multi-channel audio signal 800 can include first channel signal 802 and second channel signal 804 .
  • media player 100 can have additional functionality that can respond to connection sensor 106 detecting that media player 100 is connected to listening device 200 by providing multi-channel signal 800 .
  • Multi-channel signal 800 can be simply a two channel signal (i.e., Left or Right).
  • first channel signal 802 and second channel signal 804 can be combined by media player 100 to form multi-channel signal 800 using any number of well-known signal combining techniques where each signal can include an identifier.
  • the identifier can be used by first channel listening component 202 - 1 and second channel listening component 202 - 2 to identify the appropriate portion of multi-channel signal 800 corresponding to first channel signal 802 and second channel signal 804 .
  • first channel signal 802 and second channel signal 804 can take the form of data packets where the identifier can be part of a packet header. It should be noted that in some cases, media player 100 can simply provide a single channel signal to listening device 200 in which case first channel listening device 202 - 1 and second channel listening device 202 - 2 will provide essentially the same audio output.
  • FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of listening device 200 in an unattached configuration in which wireless signal 500 can provide multi-channel signal 800 .
  • first channel listening device 202 - 1 can have a unique BT address (i.e., BT 1 ) and second channel listening device 202 - 2 can have its own unique BT address (i.e., BT 2 ).
  • BT wireless signal 500 can be used to provide first channel signal 802 to first listening device 202 - 1 and second channel signal 804 to second listening device 202 - 2 .
  • FIG. 6A shows an arrangement whereby media apparatus 10 can operate in the wireless mode.
  • media player 100 can be placed in any location that the end user finds convenient.
  • corded portion 300 can be wrapped about portable media player 100 and placed in an inconspicuous location such as a pocket. In this way, corded portion 300 still retains the ability to receive RF signal 600 as well as wirelessly provide an audio signal to listening device 200 . Accordingly, by placing corded portion 300 in the pocket, the chance that corded portion will become entangled during physical activity is practically non-existent.
  • FIG. 7 shows a flowchart detailing process 900 for operating a media apparatus having a corded portion and at least a listening device in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • Process 900 can start at 902 by determining if the corded portion is connected to a host device. When the corded portion is determined to be connected to the host device, then a determination is made at 904 if the corded portion is attached to a listening device. If it is determined that the corded portion is not attached to the listening device, then at 906 a wireless protocol is enabled at the host device. At 908 a media asset is processed to form an audio signal and at 910 the audio signal is conditioned in accordance with the wireless protocol. At 912 the conditioned audio signal is wirelessly transmitted using the corded portion.
  • the media asset is processed to form the audio signal and at 916 , the audio signal is passed directly to the listening device by way of the corded portion.
  • FIG. 8 shows a flowchart detailing process 1000 for operating a multi-channel media apparatus having a host device optionally operable in multi-channel mode, a corded portion, and a multi-channel listening device having at least two individual listening components.
  • Process 1000 can be performed by determining if the host device is operating in a wireless transmission mode at 1002 . When the host device is operating in a wireless transmission mode, then at 1004 , a determination is made if the listening device is capable of multi-channel processing. If the listening device is capable of multi-channel processing, then at 1006 a multi-channel signal is received at the corded portion from the host device at 1006 .
  • the multi-channel signal is then wirelessly sent to the listening device at 1008 and at 1010 , a multi-channel audio is presented by the listening device.
  • a multi-channel audio is presented by the listening device.
  • a single channel audio signal is received at the corded portion.
  • the single channel audio signal is wirelessly sent to the listening device and at 1016 , the listening device presents the single channel audio.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an arrangement 1100 of functional modules utilized by a portable media device.
  • the portable media device can, for example, be the portable communication device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the arrangement 1100 includes a media player 1102 that is able to output media for a user of the portable media device but also store and retrieve data with respect to data storage 1104 .
  • the arrangement 1100 also includes a graphical user interface (GUI) manager 1106 .
  • the GUI manager 1106 operates to control information being provided to and displayed on a display device.
  • the arrangement 1100 also includes communication module 1108 that facilitates communication between the portable media device and an accessory device.
  • arrangement 1100 includes an accessory manager 1110 that operates to authenticate and acquire data from an accessory device that may be coupled to the portable media device.
  • the accessory device can be a wireless interface accessory, a wired interface accessory or any other suitable type interface accessory.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram of media player 1120 in accordance with the described embodiments.
  • the media player 1120 illustrates circuitry of a representative portable media device.
  • Media player 1120 includes a processor 1122 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the media player 1120 .
  • the media player 1120 stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system 1124 and a cache 1126 .
  • the file system 1124 is, typically, a storage disk or a plurality of disks.
  • the file system 1124 typically provides high capacity storage capability for the media player 1120 . However, since the access time to the file system 1124 is relatively slow, the media player 1120 can also include a cache 1126 .
  • the cache 1126 is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory.
  • RAM Random-Access Memory
  • the relative access time to the cache 1126 is substantially shorter than for the file system 1124 .
  • the cache 1126 does not have the large storage capacity of the file system 1124 .
  • the file system 1124 when active, consumes more power than does the cache 1126 .
  • the power consumption is often a concern when the media player 1120 is a portable media player that is powered by a battery 1128 .
  • the media player 1120 also includes a RAM 1130 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1132 .
  • the ROM 1132 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner.
  • the RAM 1130 provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache 1126 .
  • the media player 1120 also includes a user input device 1134 that allows a user of the media player 1120 to interact with the media player 1120 .
  • the user input device 1134 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, and dial, touch pad or screen.
  • the media player 1120 includes a display 1136 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor 1122 to display information to the user.
  • a data bus 1138 can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system 1124 , the cache 1126 , the processor 1122 , and the CODEC 1140 .
  • the media player 1120 serves to store a plurality of media assets (e.g., songs, podcasts, etc.) in the file system 1124 .
  • the media assets can pertain to one or more different types of media content.
  • the media assets are audio tracks (e.g., songs, audiobooks, and podcasts).
  • the media assets are images (e.g., photos) and/or video data.
  • the media assets can be any combination of audio, graphical or video content.
  • the processor 1122 upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1140 .
  • the CODEC 1140 then produces analog output signals for a speaker 1142 .
  • the speaker 1142 can be a speaker internal to the media player 1120 or external to the media player 1120 .
  • headphones or earphones that connect to the media player 1120 would be considered an external speaker.
  • the media player 1120 also includes a network/bus interface 1144 that couples to a data link 1146 .
  • the data link 1146 allows the media player 1120 to couple to a host computer or to accessory devices.
  • the data link 1146 can be provided over a wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wireless connection, the network/bus interface 1144 can include a wireless transceiver.
  • Sensor 1148 can be used to detect various external stimuli such as ambient light, temperature, pressure, and so on.
  • the various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.
  • Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
  • the computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, and optical data storage devices.
  • the computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Details Of Audible-Bandwidth Transducers (AREA)
  • Circuit For Audible Band Transducer (AREA)
US13/074,349 2011-03-29 2011-03-29 Detachable wireless listening device Expired - Fee Related US9277309B2 (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/074,349 US9277309B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2011-03-29 Detachable wireless listening device
PCT/US2012/024536 WO2012134642A1 (fr) 2011-03-29 2012-02-09 Dispositif d'écoute sans fil détachable
CN201210083141.5A CN102752680B (zh) 2011-03-29 2012-03-27 可分离的无线聆听媒体设备和装置及媒体处理方法
EP12161914.2A EP2506597B1 (fr) 2011-03-29 2012-03-28 Dispositif d'écoute sans fil

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/074,349 US9277309B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2011-03-29 Detachable wireless listening device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120250914A1 US20120250914A1 (en) 2012-10-04
US9277309B2 true US9277309B2 (en) 2016-03-01

Family

ID=46062039

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/074,349 Expired - Fee Related US9277309B2 (en) 2011-03-29 2011-03-29 Detachable wireless listening device

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US9277309B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP2506597B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN102752680B (fr)
WO (1) WO2012134642A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20170111724A1 (en) * 2015-10-12 2017-04-20 Christopher Mathew Toner Dual Purpose Power and Headset Interface System
US10326803B1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2019-06-18 The University Of Tulsa System, method and apparatus for network security monitoring, information sharing, and collective intelligence
US11323794B2 (en) 2017-03-20 2022-05-03 Buderflys Technologies, Inc. Personal hearing device

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9020623B2 (en) 2012-06-19 2015-04-28 Sonos, Inc Methods and apparatus to provide an infrared signal
US10299025B2 (en) * 2014-02-07 2019-05-21 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Wearable electronic system
CN103905949A (zh) * 2014-03-18 2014-07-02 常州星聚网络科技有限公司 一种通过3g或4g技术联网的独立智能耳机
CN103945294A (zh) * 2014-03-18 2014-07-23 常州星聚网络科技有限公司 一种通过磁铁吸附实现主机可分离式结构的独立智能耳机
US9678707B2 (en) 2015-04-10 2017-06-13 Sonos, Inc. Identification of audio content facilitated by playback device
SE1550504A1 (sv) * 2015-04-27 2016-07-12 Pugz Gear Ab Charging interface for wearable device for listening to sound
CN105263079A (zh) * 2015-11-05 2016-01-20 深圳市兴戈科技有限公司 可变为有线耳机的蓝牙耳机及其充电装置
US9900680B2 (en) 2015-11-10 2018-02-20 Skullcandy, Inc. Wireless earbuds and related methods
US20170185369A1 (en) * 2015-12-28 2017-06-29 Google Inc. Audio content surfaced with use of audio connection
EP3522562A1 (fr) 2018-02-05 2019-08-07 Austrian Audio GmbH Casque d'écoute sans fil

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5590417A (en) 1993-06-03 1996-12-31 Ericsson Inc. Radiotelephone apparatus including a wireless headset
US20020030744A1 (en) 2000-04-07 2002-03-14 Youichi Sawachi Portable multi-function apparatus and controller
EP1622415A1 (fr) 2003-04-07 2006-02-01 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Appareil electronique et procede d'emission de signal audio pour appareil electronique
EP1624586A1 (fr) 2004-08-03 2006-02-08 Sony Corporation Antenne d'écouteur
US20060068857A1 (en) 2004-07-30 2006-03-30 Asseily Alexander M Hybrid mobile headset
US20060281477A1 (en) 2005-06-08 2006-12-14 Radial Labs, Inc., A Delaware Corporation Dynamic detection and configuration of networked audio/video components
US20070041582A1 (en) 2005-08-22 2007-02-22 Lam Bin W Methods and systems for enabling users to inject sound effects into telephone conversations
US7187948B2 (en) * 2002-04-09 2007-03-06 Skullcandy, Inc. Personal portable integrator for music player and mobile phone
US20070054706A1 (en) 2005-09-07 2007-03-08 Serina Liu Wireless headset device having recharging battery
WO2007035021A1 (fr) 2005-09-20 2007-03-29 Cubex Co., Ltd. Casque et emetteur stereophoniques filaires et sans fil pour le controle de dispositif audio par connecteur entree/sortie 30 broches
WO2008028175A2 (fr) 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Dale Trenton Smith Casque sans fil à mécanisme de dérivation
US20080057857A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Dale Trenton Smith Wireless headset with bypass mechanism
US20080152160A1 (en) 2006-12-01 2008-06-26 Kok-Kia Chew Methods and apparatus for wireless stereo audio
WO2009136926A1 (fr) 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Lama Tech, Inc. Appareil électronique portable équipé d'au moins un casque d'écoute détachable
US20100265179A1 (en) * 2004-06-08 2010-10-21 Pranil Ram Computer apparatus with added functionality
US7840242B2 (en) * 2005-10-07 2010-11-23 Sony Corporation Earphone antenna
US7877115B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2011-01-25 Broadcom Corporation Battery management in a modular earpiece microphone combination
US20110026634A1 (en) 2009-08-03 2011-02-03 Cheng-Hsiung Hsu Wireless transmitter and related multimedia system
US8401219B2 (en) * 2007-01-05 2013-03-19 Apple Inc. Headset connector

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7627343B2 (en) * 2003-04-25 2009-12-01 Apple Inc. Media player system
US8208917B2 (en) * 2007-10-29 2012-06-26 Bose Corporation Wireless and dockable audio interposer device

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5590417A (en) 1993-06-03 1996-12-31 Ericsson Inc. Radiotelephone apparatus including a wireless headset
US20020030744A1 (en) 2000-04-07 2002-03-14 Youichi Sawachi Portable multi-function apparatus and controller
US7187948B2 (en) * 2002-04-09 2007-03-06 Skullcandy, Inc. Personal portable integrator for music player and mobile phone
EP1622415A1 (fr) 2003-04-07 2006-02-01 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Appareil electronique et procede d'emission de signal audio pour appareil electronique
US20100265179A1 (en) * 2004-06-08 2010-10-21 Pranil Ram Computer apparatus with added functionality
US20060068857A1 (en) 2004-07-30 2006-03-30 Asseily Alexander M Hybrid mobile headset
EP1624586A1 (fr) 2004-08-03 2006-02-08 Sony Corporation Antenne d'écouteur
US7877115B2 (en) 2005-01-24 2011-01-25 Broadcom Corporation Battery management in a modular earpiece microphone combination
US20060281477A1 (en) 2005-06-08 2006-12-14 Radial Labs, Inc., A Delaware Corporation Dynamic detection and configuration of networked audio/video components
US20070041582A1 (en) 2005-08-22 2007-02-22 Lam Bin W Methods and systems for enabling users to inject sound effects into telephone conversations
US20070054706A1 (en) 2005-09-07 2007-03-08 Serina Liu Wireless headset device having recharging battery
WO2007035021A1 (fr) 2005-09-20 2007-03-29 Cubex Co., Ltd. Casque et emetteur stereophoniques filaires et sans fil pour le controle de dispositif audio par connecteur entree/sortie 30 broches
US7840242B2 (en) * 2005-10-07 2010-11-23 Sony Corporation Earphone antenna
US20080057857A1 (en) * 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Dale Trenton Smith Wireless headset with bypass mechanism
WO2008028175A2 (fr) 2006-09-01 2008-03-06 Dale Trenton Smith Casque sans fil à mécanisme de dérivation
US20080152160A1 (en) 2006-12-01 2008-06-26 Kok-Kia Chew Methods and apparatus for wireless stereo audio
US8401219B2 (en) * 2007-01-05 2013-03-19 Apple Inc. Headset connector
WO2009136926A1 (fr) 2008-05-07 2009-11-12 Lama Tech, Inc. Appareil électronique portable équipé d'au moins un casque d'écoute détachable
US20110026634A1 (en) 2009-08-03 2011-02-03 Cheng-Hsiung Hsu Wireless transmitter and related multimedia system

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
European Search Report, EP 12 16 1914, Jul. 4, 2012, 6 pgs.
International Search Report and Written Opinion for PCT/US12/24536 dated May 21, 2012.
PCT International Preliminary Report on Patentability for PCT/US2012/024536, mailed Oct. 10, 2013.

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10326803B1 (en) * 2014-07-30 2019-06-18 The University Of Tulsa System, method and apparatus for network security monitoring, information sharing, and collective intelligence
US20170111724A1 (en) * 2015-10-12 2017-04-20 Christopher Mathew Toner Dual Purpose Power and Headset Interface System
US11323794B2 (en) 2017-03-20 2022-05-03 Buderflys Technologies, Inc. Personal hearing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2506597A1 (fr) 2012-10-03
WO2012134642A1 (fr) 2012-10-04
CN102752680A (zh) 2012-10-24
CN102752680B (zh) 2015-01-07
EP2506597B1 (fr) 2017-10-18
US20120250914A1 (en) 2012-10-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9277309B2 (en) Detachable wireless listening device
US10966012B2 (en) Wireless earbuds, and a storage and charging capsule therefor
CN107306369B (zh) 便携式声音设备和用于控制该便携式声音设备的方法
US9819710B2 (en) Easy sharing of wireless audio signals
CA2643798C (fr) Gestion d'energie dans un systeme portable de diffusion de medias
US20140354441A1 (en) System and constituent media device components and media device-based ecosystem
US9380613B2 (en) Media device configuration and ecosystem setup
US20140270284A1 (en) Characteristic-based communications
US20080201658A1 (en) Wireless Media Player Device and System, and Method for Operating the Same
US20150271582A1 (en) Wireless bottle cap speaker
US9277310B1 (en) Audio playback system
US20130336510A1 (en) Docking station
CN114077414A (zh) 音频播放控制方法、装置、电子设备及存储介质
WO2020063499A1 (fr) Écouteurs sans fil
US9339198B2 (en) Headphones measuring heart-rate
JP3143722U (ja) 無線オーディオ伝送機能付きのビデオ−オーディオプレイヤーとその無線オーディオ伝送モジュール
CN105704604A (zh) 智能家庭耳机
CN107209378B (zh) 头戴式显示设备及头戴式显示系统
CN112118517A (zh) 一种音频芯片及终端
US8655417B2 (en) Video/audio playing apparatus with wireless signal transmission function and wireless video/audio transmission module thereof
KR20170039428A (ko) 전자 디바이스
US20140134952A1 (en) Connective transmission device
WO2014017452A1 (fr) Système pour appareil électronique
CN218416600U (zh) 电子设备收纳盒及耳戴设备系统
JP2007329540A (ja) リモコン装置、被操作装置及びリモコンシステム

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: APPLE INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FINO, JORGE S.;REEL/FRAME:026325/0052

Effective date: 20110324

ZAAA Notice of allowance and fees due

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: NOA

ZAAB Notice of allowance mailed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: MN/=.

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

MAFP Maintenance fee payment

Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Year of fee payment: 4

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20240301